Minutes 02/28/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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February 28, 2017  Subsection 15.2-2286(A)(7) of the Virginia Code provides that the process to amend the Zoning Ordinance may be initiated by a Council Resolution. Financial impact:  Amendment of the Zoning Ordinance is necessary to maximize the City’s development potential and increase the tax base. The cost for consulting services required for the amendment will be presented as part of the FY 2018-19 City budgets. Recommended Action:  Adoption of the resolution. Next Steps Following Council Action:  The Planning Department and Procurement Administrator will prepare a Request for Proposals to retain the required consulting services. Motion by Mr. Cherry, and seconded by Ms. Psimas, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: “RESOLUTION INITIATING THE REVIEW AND SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT OF THE PORTSMOUTH ZONING ORDINANCE. WHEREAS, in furtherance of the general welfare and good zoning practice it is advisable to review and substantially amend the Portsmouth Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 40.1 of the City Code); and WHEREAS, the purposes of the review and substantial amendment are to ensure clarity, ease of use, and the functionality of the Zoning Ordinance as a means of furthering the goals of development and neighborhood quality, as well as the general welfare of the City and its citizens; and WHEREAS, subsection 15.2-2286(A)(7) of the Virginia Code authorizes City Council to adopt a resolution initiating the amendment of the Zoning Ordinance; and WHEREAS, all amendments which are proposed pursuant to this Resolution will be subject to public input, including through the formal public hearing process before the Planning Commission and City Council required by the Virginia Code; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Portsmouth, Virginia, that staff is hereby authorized and directed to commence the process of reviewing and substantially amending the Zoning Ordinance, with the following goals: (1) Improving clarity and ease of use; (2) Improving the provisions of the ordinance in relationship to the economic development and neighborhood quality goals of the City; (3) Repealing and replacing the D2-Form Base Code provisions applicable to the Uptown area of the City; (4) Protecting the citizens of Portsmouth while allowing quality infill development and new growth in the community; (5) Ensuring consistency with the Code of Virginia and applicable case law; and (6) Crafting such other amendments as are consistent with good zoning practice and further the general welfare of the citizens of Portsmouth.” Ayes: Cherry, Clark, Lucas-Burke, Moody, Psimas, Whitaker, Rowe Nays: None